Snowshoe Away Those Calories

Snowshoeing continues to gain popularity, very likely because it's inexpensive and easy to learn compared to many other snow activities. It's also an excellent way to burn calories.

If you're a novice, here's how to get the most fun from your first outings:

Walk with a normal, heel-to-toe stride. Avoid the impulse to stand with your feet far apart.

Try to keep your feet and ankles relaxed.

Make your first excursions on level ground with packed snow; hills and bumpy terrain may tire you.

Veteran runners and hikers are finding that snowshoeing can help keep them in shape; they can increase the physical challenge by (yes) actually running in the snow, shoeing in deep powder, and going up hills.